Background: This study aims to evaluate the post-intervention
symptoms and ultrasonographic results of patients with deep vein
thrombosis who were treated with catheter-directed ultrasoundaccelerated
thrombolysis.

Methods: Forty-one patients (20 males, 21 females; mean age
63.9 years; range 19.9±21.9 years) who diagnosed with deep vein
thrombosis between January 2012 and May 2013 were included in
this study. Patients were divided into three groups as acute, subacute
and chronic. Acute group included 15 patients (36.6%), subacute
group included 21 patients (51.2%), and chronic group included
five patients (12.2%). All cases were administered catheter-directed
ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis (EKOS®) in the thrombosed
extremity via the popliteal vein under Doppler ultrasonography.
Venography was applied and thrombus length was confirmed. After
the intervention, patients were anticoagulated with warfarin, and
given anti-embolism stockings. Patients’ Doppler ultrasound results
for pre-intervention, and one month, six months, and one year after
intervention, symptom changes, and leg diameter differences were
statistically evaluated.

Results: Concomitant pulmonary embolism was detected in one
patient. Statistically significant symptomatic improvement and reduced
leg diameters were detected in patients in the acute and subacute
groups. Symptomatic improvement and increased recanalization were
detected in the chronic group patients. No mortality or hemorrhagic
complication occurred during the course of treatment.

Conclusion: Based on our findings, catheter-directed ultrasoundaccelerated
thrombolysis may be a safe and efficient treatment
for deep vein thrombosis even in high-risk patient group.

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